In the past two days, October 22 – 23, 2025, OnBird Phu Quoc officially began the Reef Regeneration Project at Coral Jungle Reef, marking an important step in the ongoing effort for coral reef restoration in Phu Quoc Island.
The initial restoration zone spans approximately 500 square meters, distributed across various sections of the Coral Jungle Reef, and defined by red marker lines underwater. Within this area, our team and marine biologists have installed coral bases and begun transplanting fragments nurtured in both the Northern and Southern coral nurseries — colonies that have been grown and monitored for more than six months.
Phase 1: Transplanting Coral Fragments
To date, eight coral species have been successfully prepared and transplanted — two more than initially planned — building a strong foundation for biodiversity recovery:
- Acropora Pulchra (Staghorn coral) – recognizable by its branching structure, capable of growing up to 30 cm per year.
- Acropora Rosaria (Cherry Blossom coral) – noted for its turquoise color and steady growth of around 20 cm per year.
- Acropora Cytherea (Table coral) – This coral species forms large table-like plates at depths of 3–25 meters, developing thicker and more robust structures in high-energy reef environments.
- Porites Cylindrina (Finger coral) – This resilient species survived the 2024 bleaching at Coral Jungle Reef, and OnBird later found a few small colonies—slightly affected at the base—which were carefully collected, fragmented, and transplanted onto new natural substrates for restoration.
- Pocillopora Damicornis (Cauliflower coral) – Once wiped out entirely after the 2024 bleaching event at Coral Jungle Reef, this highly adaptable species has now become a strong candidate selected by OnBird for reef restoration efforts.
In addition to the five primary species listed above, three other coral species have also been successfully cultivated and are being prepared for the next transplantation phase, including:
- Acropora Hyacinthus
- Acropora Millepora
- Acropora Gemmifera
The OnBird team and marine scientists apply two transplantation techniques:
- Large-scale transplantation: Bigger coral pieces are attached to natural substrates using biodegradable, underwater-safe materials.
- Micro-fragment transplantation: Small coral fragments are transplanted onto natural substrates to enhance attachment and accelerate growth.
Phase 2: Drupella Cornus Control:
After transplantation, young coral fragments — much like patients recovering from surgery — remain fragile and vulnerable to external threats.
One of the main dangers comes from Drupella cornus, a coral-eating snail found across Indo-Pacific reefs. These snails feed on live coral tissue, leaving white scars that slow recovery and allow algae to take over.
To protect the new transplants, the OnBird team closely monitors the coral restoration sites, controlling the presence of Drupella to prevent outbreaks and ensure healthy coral growth in the early stages of regeneration.
A Collaborative Effort Beneath the Surface
This project combines OnBird’s coral nursery experience with field data from local marine specialists, aiming to establish a replicable model for sustainable reef recovery. It emphasizes science-based action, careful observation, and collaboration rather than large-scale intervention.
Guests joining our snorkeling experiences at Coral Jungle Reef can witness the regeneration site firsthand — an open, transparent effort to understand how coral restoration contributes to the natural rhythm of Phu Quoc’s marine ecosystems.
The Reef Regeneration Project is not about claiming to save the ocean, but about taking responsible, evidence-based steps toward helping restore the balance of life beneath the waves.
Every tour booked directly with OnBird contributes to our coral restoration fund.
Learn more at https://onbird.vn/regeneration
